The following annotated
bibliography on the legend of the Phoenix was written by Cassie Sorenson
for Kip Wheeler's English 199 Class ("Writings About Medieval
Monsters"), on July 19, 2001.
Annotated Bibliography on the Phoenix
Andrews, Tamar. A Dictionary of Nature Myths. New York:
Oxford UP, 1998.
The phoenix is a bird that symbolizes fire and the sun. The phoenix
was seen in Greek, Chinese, Arabic, Bennu, and Egyptian myths. It
is said to be gold and red. Different people claim that it lived in
different areaas, anywhere from Arabia to Heliopolis. According to
this selectioin, the phoenix also symbolizes the maythical interpretations
of the sunrise.
Anonymous. "The Phoenix." Encyclopedia Britannica.
This selection describes the phoenix as a majestic bird from Egypt.
It is said that the phoenix was as big as an eagle. It had amazing
gold and crimson colors. The phoenix also had a song-like cry. According
to the Egyptian legend there was only one phoenix at a time and its
lifespan was no less than 500 years. When the phoenix died, it set
itself on fire in a bed of spices. From that ash a new phoenix rose
and took its father's ashes to the altar of Heliopolis. Another legend
says that the phoenix set itself on fire at the altar and the younger
bird rose from that ash. There is said to be a connection between
Christianity and the phoenix because it embodies the idea of resurrection
and rebirth, much like Christ himself. In Islam there was the theory
that the Phoenix was made by God and was absolutely perfect. Unfortunately,
after a while the phoenix apparently became a plague and was killed.
Bullfinch, Thomas. Bullfinch's Mythology. New York: Thomas
Y. Crowell Company, 1913.
This is a book dedicated to monsters, Gods, and heroes. The selection
that the phoenix is listed in is the section entitled "Stories
of Gods and Heroes." This reading lists the phoenix as a species
among those that are known for reproducing themselves. The name is
"The Assyrians." This selection is by far the best for basic
information that one may want about the phoenix. It includes the lifespan,
colors, origins, and tales relating to the magical bird.
Gaskell. Dictionary of All Scriptures and Myths. New
York: Julian Press, Inc., 1960.
This selection actually has a speech seeming to be delivered by the
phoenix itsself. The phoenix tells the reader that he is from Heliopolis
and is the ordering of all that exists. This reading and fascinating
and useful. It bgins with a quote about the phoenix as a symbol of
the Higher Self in the cycle of Life, passing through processes of
Involution and Evolution. It continues to explore all aspects of the
phoenix in a short and simple reading. [Kip's
note: Gaskell seems to be a bit fixated on Jungian psychology. This
text may be most useful for reader reception theorists wanting to
see what later centuries have done with the phoenix legend, rather
than a source for contemporary beliefs in the medieval period.]
Olderr, Steven. Symbolism. Jefferson, North Carolina:
McFarland, 1986.
This selection does not explain the origins or the life of the phoenix.
This reading is strictly dedicated to symbolism. It lists the phoenix
as representing things like justice, chastity, the cycle of destruction
and creation, magic, and peace. The lack of information regarding
the phoenix's physicality and life makes this selection less useful
than the other books.
Vries, Adde. Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery. New York:
North-Holland Publishing Co., 1974.
The name phoenix means "bright-colored." This is the only
clear piece of information that this selection offers. Other than
that it describes the phoenix as fourteen different things. These
include a symbol of the calendar leap year. . . . This reading leaves
the audience wondering what is and isn't true. It offers too many
ideas and possibilities.
